News        from ABAC

Michael D. Chason Director of Public Relations ABAC 30 -- 2802 Moore Highway Tifton, GA 31793-2601 Phone 229-391-5055 Fax 229-391-5051 mchason@abac.edu

IMMEDIATE April 9, 2009

Tucker Named President of ABAC Alumni: Laura Beth Tucker (right) from Ocilla is congratulated on being selected as president of the ABAC Alumni Association by Beverly Bauerband (Class of '51), originally from Ocilla, who is the Golden Alumni Director on the ABAC Alumni Association Board of Directors.

TUCKER NAMED NEW PRESIDENT OF ABAC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

TIFTON – Laura Beth Tucker of Ocilla has been appointed President of the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Alumni Association.

Tucker received her Associate in Business Administration from ABAC in 1988 as an honor graduate. She then went to Valdosta State University graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in Management and Marketing in 1989. Tucker attained her Master’s in Business Administration on ABAC’s campus in 1992 from Albany State University.

Tucker served as City Manager for the City of Social Circle from 1994-1996 and was the Economic Development Director for Moultrie/Colquitt County from 1996-1997. She is currently Managing Partner for the Community Partners of Georgia, a Grant Development, Economic Development, and Administration and Evaluation firm. She has been in this role since 1997. She also owns “Sweet Hospitality”, located in the Shoppes at Fourth & Cherry in Ocilla, featuring kitchen, baking and entertaining specialties.

While at ABAC she was selected into the founding group of the ABAC Ambassadors, served as President of Phi Theta Kappa and was a Senator for the Student Government Association. She was also the recipient of the Donaldson Award, presented to the college’s outstanding graduate.

Tucker has served on the ABAC Alumni Association Board of Directors since 2004. Last year as Vice President, she helped develop a survey for all graduates which resulted in a renewed focus for homecoming and student interaction. She hopes to complete a wide variety of goals while serving as President of the Alumni Association, a one year appointment.

“My primary emphasis during my tenure as President will be focusing on the active role of the Alumni Association in recruiting students for ABAC and identifying ways for alumni to recruit potential students. Another primary focus will be engaging current students early so they will transition easily into the role as an active, supportive alumnus of the college,” said Tucker.

Tucker is married to ABAC class of 1992 graduate, Tony, and they have three sons, Brett (ABAC graduate 2003), Matthew and Brooks. She is a member of Northside Baptist Church in Tifton and enjoys reading, golf, tennis, playing the cello and family time.

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